Online Support Groups
Bringing Aware's support group service to you.
After a pilot phase in late 2010, our online support group service launched fully as part of DAWN (Depression Awareness Week) 2011. Below we've answered some of the most common questions we've had to date.
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How does it work?
The online support groups work in the same way as our support groups throughout the country. They give attendees a safe space where they can talk through their specific concerns, learn coping skills from others and explore the options available to them. Each session opens at a specified time, is facilitated by a trained Aware facilitator and is attended by up to 10 users of the service. A session will last approximately 90 minutes and some groups are specifically aimed at, for example, those suffering with bipolar depression or relatives.
Is it confidential?
The service is confidential within the normal limits of confidentiality.
How do I sign up?
Just follow the link to register for our online depression support group service, enter your details and follow the on-screen instructions. You will have to confirm your email address by clicking on a link that we'll email you.
Why do you need my email address?
We ask you to provide (and confirm) a valid email address so that we can tell you when groups are on. That way, you don't need to check the website for the schedule each week (and you'll know if the schedule has been changed at short notice). The service is confidential within the normal limits of confidentiality and your address is not visible to either facilitators or other users. You can also sign up using a secondary email address if you want - we don't mind as long as you know when the groups are on. See the Terms of Service for more info.
How do I know when groups will be on?
Once you've signed up, we'll email you at the start of each week with details of that week's schedule. As we are still tweaking the schedule and adding new groups, this is the best way to keep people informed. We'll post details here on the site once the schedule has settled in fully. Note: if you sign up on a Tuesday, that week's email will most likely have already gone out on the Monday and you may think something is wrong. But don't worry - as long as you've confirmed your email address with us, you'll get our emails as normal from the following week.
I have a question - who do I ask?
Both users and facilitators can find answers to their questions in the online Help section. If your question is not answered there, contact us.
How do I volunteer for this service?
See the Volunteering Opportunities page for more information. Follow this link to apply. If you're already a trained Aware facilitator, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to register your interest and we'll be in touch with more details.
What do I need in order to access this service?
You will need a computer with internet access. Other than that, just register, keep an eye on your email and sign in at the appropriate time for whichever group you've chosen. If you are not receiving our weekly emails, please add .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to your contacts list or addressbook or get in touch if the problem continues.
What other supports does Aware offer?
We also offer face-to-face depression support groups all over Ireland, as well as an email support service. Our loCall helpline is available 365 days a year for more urgent support.